Easy Lasagna Recipe

Classic comfort food is just a few steps away! This incredible lasagna recipe brings together rich, savory flavors that everyone will adore. We’re talking about creamy ricotta, a hearty meat sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella, all baked to golden perfection. It’s truly an easy way to enjoy homemade comfort. Plus, this robust dish is perfect for make-ahead meals and freezes beautifully, simplifying your busiest days. Get ready to create a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Recipe

You will quickly discover why this specific lasagna recipe earns rave reviews. It’s designed for simplicity without sacrificing any of the deep, satisfying flavors.

• Delicious, rich flavors: Each forkful is packed with a homemade taste that’s incredibly satisfying.
• Creamy ricotta cheese mixture: Our secret blend creates a wonderfully smooth and flavorful layer.
• Savory meat sauce from scratch: A robust combination of ground beef and Italian sausage makes the sauce irresistible.
• Layered with mozzarella: Melted, bubbly cheese blankets every part of this incredible dish.
• Perfect for family meals: This generous portion feeds a crowd and is always a hit at the dinner table.
• Great make-ahead option: Assemble it hours or even days before baking, saving you precious time.
• Freezes and reheats well: Enjoy leftovers effortlessly or prep for future meals with ease.

 

Ingredients

Making this delicious lasagna starts with a few key ingredients. Gather these items, and you’ll be well on your way to a fantastic meal. For the best results, opt for fresh, high-quality components when preparing your homemade lasagna recipe.

Cheese Filling

• 15 oz. ricotta cheese (2 cups)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

Meat Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• ¾ lb. ground beef
• ¾ lb. ground Italian sausage
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 40 oz. marinara sauce (see notes)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Lasagna Noodles / Cheese Topping

• 12 lasagna noodles (plus extra in case of breakage)
• 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Notes & Substitutions

For an outstanding lasagna recipe, consider these tips. Using a good quality marinara sauce makes a significant difference in the overall flavor of your meat sauce. Always shred mozzarella and Parmesan cheese from a block; pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that affect melting. If you prefer no-boil noodles, simply follow the package directions for preparation and layering. You can omit or adjust the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce; they are secret ingredients that add a subtle depth. Feel free to substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with ground turkey or a vegetarian crumble for a different spin.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes assembling this lasagna recipe a breeze. You likely already own most of these kitchen essentials.

• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Large pasta pot
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

Creating this flavorful lasagna recipe is a straightforward process when you follow these easy steps. We’ll break down each part to ensure your homemade lasagna turns out perfectly, every single time.

Prep Work

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated and set aside. This forms the delicious cheese filling for your lasagna.
2. Measure out all remaining ingredients, dicing the onion and mincing the garlic as specified. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smoother.

Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef and ground Italian sausage to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until it is fully browned.
3. Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and use your spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This deglazes the pan and adds extra flavor.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and allow the meat sauce to simmer while you prepare the noodles.

Preheat Oven and Cook Lasagna Noodles

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions until they are al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander. Immediately rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
4. Lay the cooled noodles flat on parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking while you assemble the lasagna.

Assemble Lasagna

1. Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of your 9×13-inch casserole dish. This creates a base layer for your lasagna.
2. Arrange four cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, ensuring they slightly overlap.
3. Spread one-third of the prepared ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
4. Top the ricotta layer with about 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce, spreading it gently.
5. Repeat the layering process: four more lasagna noodles, then another third of the ricotta mixture, followed by 1 ½ cups of meat sauce.
6. Place the final four lasagna noodles on top. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over these noodles, then add the last of the meat sauce.
7. Finish the top layer of your homemade lasagna by generously sprinkling 2 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Lightly spray one side of a piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover the casserole dish tightly with the foil, sprayed side down, to prevent the cheese from sticking.

Bake and Serve

1. Bake the covered lasagna in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
3. For an extra golden, crispy cheese topping, you can broil the lasagna for 1-2 minutes, watching it closely to prevent burning.
4. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the layers to set, preventing a runny mess.
5. Serve your delicious, hearty baked pasta dish with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Mastering this lasagna recipe is easy with a few expert tips. These suggestions will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.

• Flavor Boosts: The hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce are secret ingredients for a reason; they add incredible depth without making the lasagna spicy.
• Best Cheese: Grate fresh mozzarella and Parmesan from blocks. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that hinder a perfectly melty finish.
• Marinara Quality: Invest in a good quality marinara sauce. A flavorful base elevates the entire homemade lasagna.
• Noodle Management: Cook noodles only to al dente. Overcooked noodles can become mushy, and undercooked ones will be too firm. Cool them completely to prevent sticking.
• Deep Dish Advice: Use a deep casserole dish to prevent overflow. Placing a baking sheet underneath your dish also catches any spills during baking.
• Prevent Watery Lasagna: Ensure you drain any excess grease from the meat sauce. If using a very wet ricotta, briefly drain it in a fine-mesh sieve before mixing for the cheese filling. For more on the culinary science behind cooking pasta al dente, understanding the technique can greatly enhance your dish.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile lasagna recipe is perfect for many occasions. You can easily make it ahead or adjust it to suit your tastes.

• Serving Suggestions: Pair your hearty Italian baked dish with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Storage: Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the entire lasagna up to 2 days in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing: This is a freezer-friendly lasagna recipe. You can freeze it baked or unbaked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking.
• Variations: Experiment with different ground meats like ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based crumbles and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Try a different cheese blend, perhaps adding provolone or fontina. Explore other lasagna-inspired dishes, such as skillet lasagna, lasagna roll-ups, or baked ravioli for quick alternatives.

Nutrition

Enjoying this hearty lasagna recipe is a fulfilling experience. This nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients used. Please note that exact values can vary depending on specific brands and ingredient choices.

Nutrition Information (per serving, 1/12th of recipe):

• Calories: 487 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 107 mg
• Sodium: 1207 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g

FAQ

Here are some common questions about making a perfect lasagna recipe. We’ve got simple answers to guide you.

Conclusion

This easy lasagna recipe proves that a classic, flavorful meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With its rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and layers of tender pasta, it’s a comforting dish guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Remember its versatility for make-ahead convenience and freezer-friendly benefits. We encourage you to try this wonderful recipe and make it a staple in your kitchen. Share your delicious creations and don’t forget to rate this recipe!